Alcohol is one of the most consumed and accepted social and legal drugs today. Although its consumption can be in many cases harmless if done with caution, an excess of it can lead to disorders such as alcoholism.
From mycbdhealthy we explain what alcoholism consists of and how CBD can help in its treatment.
What is alcoholism?
In 1976 the WHO (World Health Organization) coined the term "alcohol dependence syndrome" to refer to alcohol addiction or alcoholism. According to its definition, alcoholism is “a mental and usually physical state resulting from alcohol consumption, characterized by behavior and other responses that always include the compulsion to drink alcohol continuously or periodically, in order to experience psychic effects or to avoid the annoyances produced by his absence ”.
What happens in the brain of an alcoholic person?
People with chronic alcoholism or who have suffered frequent or long periods of time have a very high risk of developing severe and persistent changes in the brain, by damaging the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex.
These changes can be direct or indirect, the latter caused, for example, by causes of liver problems or poor general health.
An example is thiamine or vitamin B1 deficiency. If a thiamine deficiency occurs, often caused by a poor diet or by alcoholism itself, symptoms such as behavioral problems, irritability, depression, forgetfulness, poor concentration, poor mental dexterity, impulsiveness, aggressiveness, anxiety occur. , psychosis or fatigue and sluggishness.
How Can CBD Fight Alcoholism?
When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids bind to receptors in the Endocannabinoid System (SER).
The CB1 receptors, the receptors that are activated by THC, are also stimulated by large amounts of alcohol, causing a feeling of elevation as in the case of THC. However, this response is temporary and after the rise in mood there is a drop in the effect, and with it the mood. In addition, when you stop consuming this substance, which is psychoactive like THC, a state of withdrawal appears.
CBD is known for its inability to connect to the CB1 receptor, responsible for making changes in the central nervous system in functions such as appetite, mood, and its role in the release of serotonin.
CBD is known to have antipsychotic, anxiolytic and relaxing properties, reduce oxidative stress, and act as a neuroprotectant, thereby inhibiting hyperarousal and degradation of the brain.
By improving the neurological processes responsible for cognition and behavior, the affected person shows greater ease in overcoming withdrawal, without feeling the need to drink again.
Is it dangerous to mix CBD with alcohol?
Although CBD is recommended for when the user has already stopped consuming the addictive substance, and in order not to suffer these discomforts, the truth is that CBD can interact with each other but without causing adverse effects and incompatibilities.
The truth is that both substances would have the same result, relaxation (alcohol in its falling phase), so the result of joining them would be that the effect would be greater.
If you suffer from alcoholism and are interested in starting a treatment with CBD but have concerns or need more information, contact us and we will help you!
